Four Prince George County schools receive Purple Star designation for military-friendly efforts

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Four Prince George County schools recently received state recognition for their commitment to supporting military students and families.

Prince George County Public Schools announced on Thursday, Jan. 15, that four of its district campuses received the Virginia Purple Star Designation in November 2025. The designation recognizes military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. military and is awarded by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children.

Per the release, the latest round of schools earning the Purple Star designation includes L.L. Beazley Elementary School, North Elementary School, South Elementary School and Prince George High School. This marks the high school's first Purple Star from the VDOE.

The latest recognition allowed all five of Prince George County's elementary schools to be multi-year winners, having received the awards more than once. The two remaining schools are D.A. Harrison Elementary School and Middle Road Elementary School.

To receive the designation, schools have to complete all required activities and one optional activity relating to military student and family support. Schools must also have a designated point of contact for military students and families.

As of October 2024, 490 schools in the Commonwealth hold an active Purple Star designation. Nearly half of those schools have received the award more than once, per the DOE.